The Potential Dog Health Problems

Am really sure we all know what it costs for a trip to the Vet office, there goes that new Taylor Made driver I had my eyes on. The dog world is abuzz with dog health questions. Your dog’s health can be costly, that is true. The financial loss is nothing compared to the possible loss of a much loved and treasured dog. There are loads of dog ailments out there that could really make your pet quite sick. Don’t forget the popular saying that, prevention is better than a cure. So let's discuss what we can do to keep our dogs health.

There are plenty of dog ailments that are lurking out there. The only problem is that mister poochy cannot say, "Hey, Alpha Dog, I got an aching stomach". Dogs certainly have a much higher pain threshold than us, so you need to be keenly aware of when your best friend appears to be acting strangely. Basically, know your dog's standard operating procedure. Then you will soon see when your best buddy is not feeling well.

Infections: Yes there are plenty, ears, eyes, skin and teeth can all be subjected to infection. Just apply that good old common sense here. Keep your dog's mouth clean and brush his teeth when required with good quality dog toothpaste. Make sure you bath your furry friend often with a quality natural dog shampoo. Brush his coat regularly and check his coat as well for any strange skin rashes or objects. Dog ear infections are a major player as far as infections for dogs go. Your dog's ears could be swollen, showing red spots, itchy, smelly or extruding excessive moisture. You may need to see the doggy doctor "kching $$$", sorry. It pays to keep a good eye on your dog's cleanliness and avoid bacteria build up.

Allergies: Once again, there are many allergies that dogs could be exposed to. Fleas are the most common and if not treated early could lead to skin infections. There are loads of good medications to eliminate a flea problem. Food allergies are not as common but could lead to skin problems such as hot spots or ear infections. If recognized in time you could save a lot of discomfort for the pooch and money for you. Sometimes it is advisable to seek vet advice for dogs with allergies, as the symptoms are not always easily recognized.

Diabetes: Just like us, what your furry friend consumes will affect his health. Avoid giving your best friend table scraps, "human food", they are not human. Pancreatic issues can arise from a diet filled with excess fat or sugar-rich foods. Unfortunately, if your pooch does contract diabetes, you may need to administer regular shots to maintain his health. To ensure good pet dog health, always follow a strict diet for your furry friend. There are very many really good dog foods available.

Arthritis and Dysplasia: This issue is more common in pure breeds, but does occur throughout the canine world. Larger purebred dogs will tend to suffer more due to their long bones and narrow joints. Best advice here is, supplement with quality dog vitamins and minerals. Try to seek vet advice for dogs with these arthritic problems so that you can keep track of the condition of your dogs joints.

Obesity: Just when you thought we were so different to dogs. This issue is one of the more deadly dog health symptoms. As with us, too much eating and no exercise brings dog obesity to the fore quite quickly. Dog obesity itself does not kill, but the resulting dog ailments related to tumors, heart failure, malfunctioning of the liver and skin disorders can all lead to the demise of your best friend. These dog ailments require immediate attention when discovered or suspected. Good diet and plenty of exercise for you and your four-legged friend are always good options.

Do yourselves and your dog a favor. Feed your pet quality food to maintain a healthy inside. Maintain a healthy outside by bathing and grooming often. Supplement with Vitamins and Minerals. Get outdoors and relieve all your stress and your dog's stress with some healthy exercise. Go for regular checkups, just to make sure nothing catches you or your dog by surprise. Keep in mind that Prevention is better than a Cure!!!!”

Dogs named after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have their own royal wedding

A couple of dogs named after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have had their own wonderful wedding in Scotland.

Maeghan, a springer spaniel, and Prince Harry, a Newfoundland puppy got hitched at a special doggy ceremony in the village of Leslie, Fife.

The dog couple enjoyed a furry-tail wedding at Harry’s owners’- Andrea Johnston, 64, and her daughter Stacey Kilpatrick, 30 – back garden.

Helen Teevan, a 50-year-old woman is the owner of Maeghan.
Both dogs met after Stacey and Andrea put out a search for a partner for Harry, after worrying that he might be a bit lonely.

He’d had a major surgery on his cruciate ligament, and his owners thought life was too short and went on the hunt for his own princess.

After finding Harry online, Helen put her dog, Maeghan, forward, thinking the pair would be ideal together – and they were.

Soon after meeting, all three owners came together to start planning the royal dog wedding.
Helen said: ‘When we heard that Harry was searching for his Meghan we thought it would be a bit of a laugh and so put our gorgeous girl forward.

‘We were astonished when she was picked but so glad Maeghan will be Harry’s special furbie friend.’

Last year, the royalist owners of Harry were sent best wishes from Kensington Palace and his human namesake when they wrote to inform them of the motivation behind his name last year.

The owner could not hold her excitement over the dog equivalent of this weekend’s big wedding.

According to her: ‘We were so excited about the alternative Royal Wedding. We love the Royal family and even named our beloved Harry after Prince Harry.’

Elaine Warburton, of dog Holiday Company Barking Mad, helped hook the two dogs up.

Why Exercise Is Essential for Your Pets

Exercise is critical to your overall heart health, but it is also very important for mental health, as it helps eliminate stress hormones and helps increase serotonin release that keeps you feeling happy and combats depression. But did you know that exercise is just as important for the physical and mental well being of your Dog?

Dogs and cats and even small pets require physical and mental stimulation. When you look into a bird or hamster cage and see mirrors, wheels, and the like, these toys are for much more than allowing owners to laugh while the animals play with them, they provide a great deal of mental and physical stimulation as well. For cats, something as simple as a toy mouse, some feathers on a string, or a ball that can be rolled around and chased can be quite stimulating for both physical and mental exercise. Dogs have a tendency to need greater stimulation, but the bottom line is that exercise is critical.

Exercising your pet has many benefits. Much like in humans, it serves to help boost mental and physical health, improving the heart and mood and helping to get rid of separation anxiety. Play with owners, dog walkers, and other animals can all offer great benefit to your pet, and the exercise can help keep pets from misbehaving out of boredom and separation anxiety. All animals need exercise in order to achieve true health, and providing the means for your pets to do this is your responsibility as an owner.

Did you know that many dogs need more than just a simple walk? While walking is great physical exercise, you will find that games like fetch or toys that require your dog to use his or her mind to retrieve a treat from inside a toy can provide much-needed mental stimulation. Boredom and pent-up energy can greatly affect your pet's behavior, and inactivity can have long-term health repercussions for your pet. Take the time to consider a dog walking service or a pet sitter if you are away for long hours each day and look into unique toys that you and your pet can enjoy together as well as those that he or she may enjoy alone. With the right mental and physical exercise, you can have a pet that is truly healthy in all ways.

Please, please, please find some way to give your dog the exercise it needs, even if it means finding someone else to walk him. If you can learn to do it yourself you'll build a real bond with your dog and you'll discover that a lot of the problems you may have had with him are a thing of the past.

Common Foods That Cause Allergies in Dogs

It is alleged that about half of American dogs have some sort of allergy issues. Of this overwhelming number of dogs suffering from allergies, is estimated that 10 to 20% of all dog allergies are in fact food-related.

Warning sign of Dog Food Allergies

Adverse reactions to food ingredients can manifest by skin conditions, respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), neurological or blood reactions. Yet for dogs, the skin and GI tract seems to be the two systems most commonly affected. It's no wonder that many dogs that suffer from skin ailments will also have some sort of GI disease as well.

A food allergy has some common symptoms so it is important to recognize and look for certain conditions in your dog if you suspect a food allergy: itchy skin (this is the most common), excessive scratching, increased bowel movements, chewing and licking of the same area of the body (such as the paw or base of tail), and hair loss. In the most extreme cases of ear infections, chronic vomiting, and hot spots can also develop.

Most allergies that are directly related to dog food usually start when the dog is between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. This may also explain why many pet parents will make the switch to a raw food diet when their pet reaches 5 or 6 years of age.

Food That Cause Allergies

While switching your pet to a raw food diet certainly will improve your pet's overall health, decrease the added stress on the digestive system, and strengthen the immune system, there are certain foods that are more likely to cause allergies than others. The following list of ingredients is the most probable cause of food allergies in dogs:

Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Dairy Products
Fish
Wheat
Chicken Eggs
Corn
Soy

You'll notice that the foods listed above are in almost all dog foods. And while 90% of our nation's dogs are able to tolerate these ingredients, it's the remaining 10% that can't handle these foods and will suffer from severe allergic conditions. These pet owners will be the ones desperately searching for relief for their companion animal. Yet unless you take the time to source and make your own homemade food for your dog, you will undoubtedly have a very hard time finding many dog food products that do not contain these 9 ingredients.

It's also important to note that since most commercial dry dog foods contain similar ingredients, merely switching between brands usually has little effect on the actual disease.

However, we have found great success in recommending a switch to a raw food diet. The difference is that the food is fed raw, not cooked. This is the way your dog was designed to eat. Raw foods put far less stress on your pet's digestive system, which allows the body to use its energy to natural fight the allergens that are attacking it.
It is for this reason that a large percentage of the new raw food feeders that we speak with are simply struggling to find a way to reduce the negative effects of feeding their pet a heat-processed food. These pet parents have found that the continuous, long-term ingestion of heat-treated dry food has been shown to trigger the majority of allergy symptoms in their pets.

How to identify A Food Allergy

One of the most effective ways to pinpoint the source of the allergic reaction is with an elimination diet. The goal here is to avoid the specific allergen that is aggravating the animal. You must find the specific protein source that is causing the problem. It is important to find a hypoallergenic test diet that contains a very limited number of ingredients and that has not been previously fed to the dog. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the best bland diet to start with. Other things to eliminate are treats, chew toys, rawhides, etc. - basically anything else that your dog can get his paws and mouth on.

Once your dog is stabilized and has not had a negative reaction to the bland food diet, you can start to reintroduce other protein choices gradually. Be sure to watch your pet's allergy condition carefully. When your dog reacts negatively to a newly introduced protein, you can specifically isolate the culprit and remove it from your pet's diet to avoid further allergic reactions.

All You Need to Know About Dog shedding

Dogs shed hair and shedding is a natural process that a dog goes through to remove dead and unwanted hair. Old fur falls out, and new fur grows in its place. All dogs lose hair from time to time, just like humans do, but some dogs shed more than others.

Dogs that live in the wild remove dead hair by rubbing up against trees and plants. Household dogs are not always able to accomplish this, so they rely on us, their owners, to help them remove excess hair.

Shedding can be a nuisance to some dog owners, especially if their dog lives primarily indoors. Although there is no way to stop a dog from shedding altogether, there are ways to reduce the amount of fur that a dog sheds.
Stages of new hair growth.

New hair grows in three cycles. The first stage, anagen, is the period when the hair follicles are active. Dog fur is in this stage about 90 percent of the time. Next comes catagen, which is after the hair has grown to a pre-determined length. The hair is in a temporary state of transition at this time. Finally, there is telogen, which is when the hair rests or stops growing. Not all fur is in the same stage at the same time. There are times when a dog's coat can be in multiple stages.

How shedding occurs
The shedding process depends on factors such as environment, nutrition, and heredity. Temperature and sunlight are also factors. Dogs that are exposed to the same temperature all year long, such as indoor dogs, may shed all year long, whereas dogs that live outdoors tend to shed only in the spring.
When a dog gets older or becomes ill, shedding patterns may change. In addition, some female dogs may shed more after a heat cycle, especially when they are around 3 or 4 years old. Puppies have fuzzy hair that often does not turn into an adult coat until they have reached 5 months old.

For dogs that are considered "non-shedding," their hair growth is much slower than other dogs. In addition, when the dog does shed, only a few hairs are shed at a time.

Causes of shedding
Most dogs grow a winter coat and then shed it in the spring and summer. Excessive shedding is not normal, however. When a dog sheds too much, there is often an underlying cause for it. The most common causes include the following:

•    Parasites (fleas, ticks)
•    Allergies
•    Diseases involving the liver, kidney, thyroid or adrenal glands
•    Immune diseases
•    Hormone imbalances
•    Tumors
•    Infections
•    Sunburn
•    Cancer
•    Pregnancy and nursing
•    Infections
•    Stress
•    Poor nutrition
•    Certain medications
•    Skin contact with certain substances

Controlling shedding: There are several things you can do to keep shedding under control, such as the following:
•    Brush your dog regularly to remove excess fur. This will keep the fur from flying all over the house. Brushing your dog also keep his fur softer and cleaner. There is nothing wrong with brushing daily, especially if your dog needs it and enjoys it.

•    Give your dog a bath regularly, especially in the summer months. Bathing cleans your dog's fur, which reduces shedding. An oatmeal shampoo used weekly can help make your dog's dull coat much shinier.

•    Make sure your dog eats a high-quality dog food. Everything your dog eats is reflected in his coat. A shiny coat is the result of good food. Bald spots and excessive shedding can be caused by a poor diet. If your dog has allergies, it may be a bit more difficult to find a dog food that your dog can eat without causing irritation.

•    Make sure your dog is protected against fleas and ticks. These parasites can cause scratching and bald patches on your dog's fur. Flea and tick preventatives should be applied to your dog's skin monthly to keep parasites and their eggs of your dog.

•    Vacuum your home often. Keeping your home vacuumed and swept daily is the best way to keep hair out of the home. Try to keep your dog off furniture, as dog hair can be tricky to remove from upholstery. If this is impossible, cover the couch or seats with throws that can be easily washed. This will keep your furniture looking and smelling good.

•    Regular vet visits can help detect any health problems that can lead to skin and coat issues. While you're there, you may want to ask your vet about the use of supplements. Fatty acids help promote a shiny coat.

When you need to see a veterinarian
Shedding is typically not a condition that requires veterinary care. However, conditions that persist for a week or longer should be looked at by a vet. These include the following:
•    Rashes, scabs and other types of skin irritation
•    Bald Spots
•    Scratching
•    Rubbing the face or licking feet
•    Dry hair
•    Open sores

Dog casually walks through live weather broadcast

We all love to take our pet to work– but this is what happens when it backfires spectacularly.

A weatherman was halfway through his forecast when a big dog casually strolled past him in the background, in full view of the cameras.

We can only assume that means it’s going to rain cats and dogs.

WMUR Meteorologist Josh Judge managed to keep his composure despite the uninvited visitor interrupting his forecast in Manchester, New Hampshire, for WMUR-TV.

He says: ‘so the system is pulling away right now and the sunshine increasing and…there is a dog behind me.’

After chuckling at the strange scene, Josh adds: ‘It’s not the dog days of summer just yet, but it will be at least warmer than you’d expect for this time of year.’

The presenter comments that the pup belongs to a colleague named Amy, and finds out its name is Bella after asking someone off-screen.

He later added on Twitter: ‘While I was doing the weather this morning…a dog walked by behind!!! ‘Caught me off-guard…I didn’t realize Amy had brought her dog to work! LOL.’

Lion asking dog for forgiveness

An interspecies friendship is a bond form between animals of different species. Domestication of animals has to lead to very strange interspecies friendships between two (or more) species that would naturally never exist together otherwise.

This is a story of a lion and a dog. These are just some of the many animal friendships we’ve seen lately where two animals that shouldn’t get along unexpectedly do. It’s amazing! It’s heart-warming! The New York Times article “Learning from Animal Friendships” tried to explain these relationships and it was great food for thought.

There are a lot of dog pairings out there, and I don’t find it surprising at all. Dogs are awesome! Also, I think it’s because dogs have been domesticated and bred by humans to be more docile. That also applies to horses, sheep, cats, and any other domesticated animal -- including that chicken. Animals that we’ve domesticated are more open to relationships because we’ve conditioned them to be in a relationship with us.

Watch an incredible bond between two friends since they were young, a chocolate lab and a mighty white lion and, the lion goes and kisses the dogs paw.

Tips On How To Make a Healthy Dog Food

There are many concerns that have come up today about the dangers of feeding out dogs and other animals commercial food. These concerns have made us as dog owners want to start preparing our dogs food the natural way. We do not feel safe feeding our dogs those harsh chemicals that are contained in a bag or can of dog food. Preparing the food by hand in our home is the safe alternative.

So, today, you are going to find a lot of people that cook for their pet and there is nothing wrong with this. In the paragraphs below, we are going to guide you step by step on how to make healthy dog food for your beloved furry four-legged friend.

First, we are going to start with meat - that's the good stuff that dogs enjoy. You should choose meats that are fresh. You can purchase these from the local butcher or meat processor. These type of meats are going to be fresher and you can buy them in bulk, which will give you better pricing.

If you need the butcher to cut up and grind the meat for you, then just ask. For the meat, you can have stewing meats, lean beef, beef heart, boneless steak, boneless roast, beef liver, leg of lamb or skinless/boneless chicken breast.

Now, just because the dog loves meat does not mean that he or she cannot have vegetables. Believe it or not, canines require vegetables as well. The best veggies you can give your dog include pumpkin, squash, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, yams, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. These vegetables will give your pup the necessary nutrients. Just like with meats, you should select the fresh vegetables.

You should avoid giving your dog beans, beet greens, peas, spinach, garlic, tomato, potato, bell peppers, chard or onions.

You need to determine how much you need to feed your canine each day. Take the body weight and multiply it by 0.4. The resulting number is the number of ounces your dog should be consuming each day. You can either give it in one big meal or divided into a breakfast and a dinner meal.

Take the meat and vegetables and chop them into chunks that is small enough for your pet to easily eat. You can serve this to them raw. While it is not necessary that you cook the meat and vegetables before you feed it to your four-legged friend, some people prefer to do it, especially when they are having chicken. If you do cook it, then cook the meat slightly so that it is still juicy. Cooking it too much can kill many of those nutrients that your pet needs.

For the vegetables, you can lightly steam them and add the meat in with them. Make sure you only add the vegetables that are recommended for dogs. When you serve it to your canine, make sure there are no hot spots. You should always let the food cool off before you serve it to them

Tips for Bringing a New Dog home

Bringing a new dog home, introducing it to you, your family, and residence is an exciting first step in establishing a sound and loving relationship with your pet. I'll try to offer essential, basic advice to make sure you bring your new dog home successfully.

To start off, I have a shortlist of supplies to have on hand when your puppy arrives at your house:
•    leash
•    collar
•    I.D. Tags (as soon as possible)
•    food
•    food and water bowls
•    a few toys
•    bedding
•    a place for your puppy to sleep
•    a space to confine your puppy when you can't be there to watch it.

Personally, I get a huge kick out of introducing a puppy to its new home, and I even like to have a camera on hand to save a few mementos for years down the road. My wife and I have experience with larger breed dogs such as Labradors and German Shepherds as those just seem to suit us.

First--The very first time you bring your puppy home, give it a grand tour of your house or apartment or dorm room. I advise leading the dog on a leash as you do this. Make sure that you identify as many of your belongings as possible that you don't want the puppy to have access to. Put those items out of reach.

Second--As you lead the puppy on its tour, give a gentle but sharp tug on the leash when it shows interest in items that are off limits. This is not to be punitive, and do not say "no." You can make a sharp, distracting sound, but do not at this time use the word, "no." At this stage, you are starting to familiarize your pet with limits. Be sure to lavish praise on your puppy for all right actions.

Third--After you have shown the puppy around the house, introduce your pet to its food and water bowls. It is important that you do not change the location of the feeding place. Let the puppy say "hello" to its bedding. If you have a crate, you can let the dog start sniffing and investigating it. If the dog is 8 weeks, you may want to start crate training. The object of crate training is to let the dog assume ownership of the crate so that it will consider it as a sort of den.

Fourth--When you feel that the dog has become accustomed to the residence, after a day or two, you can begin introducing it to the surrounding environment. However, if your puppy is under 8 weeks, you might want to wait a bit before you walk it around busy urban environments. Also, before you introduce your puppy to the outside environment, it would be a good idea to wait until the essential immunizations have been done so as not to risk violating city codes.

Selecting and bringing home a furry-friend should not be taken lightly. While it is an exciting and fun experience, it also comes with responsibility. Mainly keep them healthy and give them a lot of love and then some.

Japanese priests hold funeral for all abandoned toy robot dogs

How did you say goodbye to your old toys?  Given them to a younger relative? Dump them in your parents’ loft? Throw them in the bin without a second thought?  If yes, think about it, you are heartless.

In Japan, more than 100 deceased Sony Aibo robots got the sendoff they deserved when they were given their own traditional funeral.

The dogs were lined up at the Kofukuji temple in Isumi last week while the monks chanted sutras to send them peacefully on their way.

Japan Times reports that they receive hundreds of old Aibo dogs every year since the dog is no longer in production so people send their old / broken ones to Electronics repair company A-Fun Co which specializes in fixing vintage products so they can use the parts.

It's typically like organ donation for a toy, and it’s lovable. However, before A-Fun Co ‘operates’ on the dogs, they organize a funeral for them because they believe that robot-dogs have souls and that they must return the souls to their owners, thus turning the toy into a mere machine.

The dogs arrive at the company with letters that give details of their name and previous life.
One letter reads: "I feel relieved when I know there will be a prayer for my Aibo,” as another says, “Please helps other Aibos." Tears rose in my eyes when I decided to say goodbye.


If you sit there with wide eyes and wonder what the hell is going on, priest Bungen Oi has some words for you.
"Everything has a bit of soul, he explained, after the service at the 450 years-old temple.
It's adorable, So pure, so runs home to drop all old toys off at the local church.

Puppy without front legs finally gets to run around thanks to his new wheelchair

A disabled dog is born without its front legs and now has its own wheelchair, having been rescued from a horrible hoarding situation.

Loki, 3 years old, was born without any front limbs due to close breeding. He was one of 30 animals rescued from a hoarder.

Loki, the Chihuahua and Beagle combination was adopted by office manager Katie Orsenigo, 24, and car business owner Ron Petruska, 26, in May last year.

They brought Loki 1000 miles from Alabama to their New York home but soon realized that the way the pup walked on his chest was hurting his back.

The veterinarian informed the engaged pair to get the puppy fitted for an animal wheelchair so he can walk and run without causing long-term damage to his spine.

The puppy fell in love with his wheels and now counts down the hours until he can hit the road with the couple’s other dog, Marley, a six-year-old Havanese.

According to Katie, Loki adoptive mom, the pup makes everyone smile, and the pup is the happiest animal despite everything that has happened to him.

Katie, from Mahopac, New York, said she fell in love with Loki after seeing his photo and reading his sad story on Petfinder.

According to Katie, "He looked so happy despite everything, and we were delighted when they told us we could adopt him.

Although he seemed happy to scoot on his chest, the vet said it would hurt his back in the future if he continued to do so, so we started the plan of getting a new wheelchair.

At first, it was very difficult: he keeps tripping over it and falling on his neck. But we have made some adjustments now and it works well.

"It's great because he certainly associates his wheels as something happy."

She said the pup wheelchair draw a lot of positive attention when she is out with her puppy and inspired her to establish her own organization From Hope to Home, a network of animal foster parents who help dogs in need.

"It's like Beyonce is on the street, people stop me and ask me questions about Loki, they just cannot resist her big smile," she said.

It's very nice, people cannot resist him. Even though my other dog, Marley, is really angry, they have become friends.

"Even Marley cannot resist Loki's positive attitude.

How Do Dogs Get Heartworms

Dirofilaria Immitus is the scientific name for the parasite that causes canine heartworms. It is a parasite that has a complicated life cycle and one that needs a mosquito and a dog to complete it. Many people wonder how dogs get heartworms. Here are some answers to the more commonly asked questions about this all too common dog disease. If you need further information you should talk to your veterinarian.

Carrying these worms within the dogs' bodies can result in heart failure, weight loss, vision impairment, shortness of breath and eventually death. Since the symptoms are different from one dog to the next, the only way to protect your dog from heartworm is a regular visit to the veterinarian. Normally, when your dog starts showing physical symptoms, the disease has possibly reached an irreversible and uncurable point

Dogs get heartworm infections after they are bitten by mosquitoes that are infected with this parasite. Mosquitoes become infected with this parasite after biting an infected dog. So as you can see it a constant cycle between mosquitoes and dogs transmitting this parasite back and forth.

Here are some signs to look for to possibly treat your dog before it is too late.

1. Previously highly active dogs tend to tire quicker than before.

2. A normally healthy dog starts to gasp harder and struggle to breathe.

3. Coughing becomes more common.

4. Hunting or running dogs can no longer keep up their normal stamina.

5. A sudden problem in vision.

6. Sudden and quick loss of weight and body mass.

One common myth among who contracts heartworms is that only long-haired breeds get them. The fact is any dog is prone to them. No matter what breed you have, get your vet to check the dog out for heartworm.
The easiest way to prevent your dog from getting this disease is to keep them on a monthly heartworm preventative, like Sentinel, Heartgard, or Interceptor.

If your dog has never been on a preventative before, your veterinarian will do a simple blood check to be sure that your dog is not infected with Dirofilaria Immitus already.

Heartworms can be a very devastating disease in dogs and even cats. It is very important that you keep your dog on a monthly heartworm preventative if prescribed by your veterinarian. In most southern states, pet owners are often told to keep their dogs on all year prevention.

Missing just one monthly dose can mean exposing your dog to this deadly disease, so make sure you remember to give the dose at the same time every month.

Dog Training Pads -How it Work

Dog training pads are best for both potty training puppies, and for dog lovers who want to keep their mature pets inside the house for extended periods of time. The higher quality pads are usually very absorbent and will confine your dogs waste while keeping fecal and urine from becoming spread throughout your house. These pads often have a scent which sends signals to the dog, instructing them to pee in that location.

Dog owners have used dog training pads for many years, and the following are reasons dog owners’ use these pads are:

•    Once a puppy or a dog has learned how to 'go' outside, this becomes a life-long behavioral change that is hard to reverse.

•    These pads are cheap and the method is cheaper and easier than the alternatives.

•    The pads are readily available online and offline.

•    Dogs usually learn fast when using these pads.

•    The general cleanliness of your house is guaranteed, meaning your family members will not be exposed to germs.

•    Family members will not be exposed to foul smell since the pads are designed to retain smells.

•    These pads can be used in the car, thereby making it easier for you to travel with your dog.

•    The pads can be used by dogs as beds.

Although using these pads is easier than alternatives such as using training creates, you should note that you will not have overnight results. If you do not know how to use these pads, you will end up spending a lot of time, money and energy and you may even fail to get the desired results. You, therefore, need to know how to make using dog training pads easy for the dogs and for you. To do this, keep the following tips:

1) Know your dog well. Different dogs have different habits, abilities, and weaknesses. You should know what these are so that you can incorporate them into the training. You should be patient with the dog and you should avoid negative reinforcement techniques such as beating since this will only make the dog confused. Consider positive reinforcement techniques such as giving treats when the dog 'goes' on the training pad.

2) Do not let the dog or the puppy get used to 'going' in the house. It will be much harder to house train the dog using a pad if it has already picked a spot. You should, therefore, purchase a training pad as early as possible.
3) Be consistent. If you keep on changing the location of the pad, the dog will be confused and you will not get the desired result. You should also be consistent with the smell of the dog training pads and on the treats, you give as a reward.

4) Know the procedure of training your dog using these pads. The best place to get the procedure is from people who have successfully house trained their dog. You can also go online and view blogs and other publications on the procedures. Most people agree the first step is establishing where the dog likes to 'go' and the other general steps are moving the pad to this spot, moving the pad closer to the door as time passes, moving the pad outside, and finally withdrawing the pad.

5) Know your dog's pattern of relieving itself. This way, you will be able to pick it up when it is about to 'go' and to place it on the pad for the first few days or weeks. The dog will then accept the pad as the place it is supposed to 'go'. And Please don’t forget that "A good dog is trained dog."

How to Treat Dog Mange

Dog mange is a nasty, debilitating and physically destructive disease if left untreated. Knowing that your dog has mange is the first step to treating it effectively but, unless you check your dog over regularly and take him to the vet at the first sign of anything wrong, the disease can get much worse before it is noticed.

Mange is caused by an infestation of mites and scabies that burrow into the dog's skin and hair follicles. Whilst a healthy dog will be able to fight off the infestation, if your dog has a poor immune system it will not be able to fight off the disease.

There are many symptoms of dog mange including itching and signs of dandruff, thinning of the hair around the eyes, the mouth and the front of the legs. Left untreated these patches can soon turn to sore, crusted, oozing patches which will cause your dog a great deal of discomfort and pain. As the disease progresses your dog will lose its appetite, leading to severe weight loss and dehydration.

Dog mange can be successfully treated and eradicated with quick intervention and use of the correct products. Shampoos alone will not rid your dog of mange; whilst you may see short-term changes, the mange will continue to return until the mite itself has been destroyed. This means treating your home and the all of the dog's bedding as well as the dog itself.

Treating a dog for mange is a fairly straightforward process but don't expect an overnight success story; the process takes time. To treat your dog for mange first find a good natural shampoo. Look for an oil-based shampoo such as tea tree or Aloe Vera; the oil will smother the mites and kill off the eggs. Using a shampoo containing these products will also soothe irritated skin. This should be used regularly, in conjunction with a medicated topical spray for the lesions and sore patches.

Avoid products that contain Anise oil as this can be damaging to your dog. Look for products that contain Zinc PCA as this is essential for killing parasites both on and below the skin. It is also used for building up the skin membrane and the sebum glands to further assist your dog in fighting off unwanted infestations.

Although these products may be more expensive to buy, in the long run, they are cheaper because they do work and you don't need to keep buying cheaper products that will never effectively treat your dog for mange.

This alone is not enough. Whilst the above treatment may appear to rid your dog of mange unless his immune system is built up he will always be a target for the mites. Your dog needs to be fed on a good healthy diet but will also need additional nutrients and enzymes added in order to help build up his immune system and help to repair his skin. Keep your house treated as well and your dog should be clear of mange and pain-free for a long time to come.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not go through menstrual periods. Rather, they go through heat cycles also known as estrus cycles. These heat cycles in which dogs can become pregnant usually begin at around four to six months of age for smaller breeds and twelve to fourteen months of age for larger breeds. For as long as a dog is having estrus cycles, she can become pregnant. It is important to note now that dogs do not go through menopause. This is often the reason why dogs are spayed after their good breeding years.

During the estrus cycles, dogs discharge a bloody fluid, which is why it is thought to be a menstrual period. When the fluid becomes less bloody, dogs are ready to be impregnated, this can last a few hours to a few days. Between breeds, the estrus cycles vary. Some breeds are known to have a one to two-week average, others three weeks, while others still can have it for only two days.

While it is helpful to understand a dog's estrus cycle in terms of knowing when to breed them, or in some cases when to keep them away from male dogs, what many would like to know, is how long are dogs pregnant? Or how long do they stay pregnant?

Typically, a dog is pregnant for about two months. This is the length of the board. Some veterinarians estimate how long dogs are pregnant for by a number of days, such as 60-65/65 days. They say that dogs usually give birth between day 60 and day 65. For smaller breeds, how long dogs are pregnant can vary depending on how tiny the dog is. Often, this is the result of the mother dog not being able to carry the puppy for a very long period. This can mean that the dog will whelp before the 60th day. Also, smaller dogs often have only one puppy instead of several.

No matter how long your dog is pregnant for, you should be ready to provide it with what it needs throughout the pregnancy. First, pregnant dogs need a lot of water since their bodies are easily dehydrated, due to the life growing inside of them. Be sure that their bowl is always filled with fresh water, and that they have easy access to it.

Second, pregnant dogs need little areas in which they can "nest" for their puppies. This means providing them with a room (maybe the room in which they will give birth so that they can familiarize themselves with the room) that has soft pillows and towels. These can be old pillows and towels so that your dog can play with them and arrange them as she sees fit.

Finally, be sure you provide your dog with a good diet before, during and after pregnancy. Proper nutrition is an absolute must. This is one of the key factors to having a successful pregnancy and healthy puppies. Often, dog breeders recommend the raw food diet before pregnancy, (as early as being a puppy) so that the dog is used to obtaining its nutrients through this kind of feeding. A raw food diet is high in protein, which is something a pregnant dog needs throughout her pregnancy, and well into lactation or nursing.

Dog Drives Truck and Crashes Into Store in China

A dog in China has shown why he should never be behind the wheel, by somehow crashing his owner’s pedicab into a phone store.

The strange incident, which occurred in the city of Taixing, was captured by CCTV cameras inside the store.

It shows the vehicle slamming through the front door and crashing into a display counter, sending glass all over the place in the process.

At first, it seems the pedicab has no driver before a dog’s silhouette appears mysteriously in the driver's cabin.

According to local reports, the animal climbed into the car while its owner, who owns a nearby grocery store, left the engine running.

Incredibly, no one was injured in the accident, and it is believed that the dog also escaped an injury.

The owner of the grocery store, seen in the video pushing the pedicab out of the store, has apologized for the damage and is expected to pay for the damage.

Missing puppy traced to home of Amazon delivery driver

The dog owner spoke of his relief after his missing dog was found in the home of a delivery driver.
Richard Guttfield emailed the Amazon founder in desperation after his 11 months miniature schnauzer Wilma was taken away on Friday.

The delivery man had just dropped off a parcel of dog food at Mr. Guttfield's house in Marsworth, near Tring.

Amazon said it was “unpardonable ". According to the spokesman the driver no longer delivered for Amazon.

Mr. Guttfield and his daughter Emily tried to get in touch with the online retailer for help, but "in desperation" emailed founder Jeff Bezos.

He said the self-employed driver was finally tracked down by Amazon and Wilma was discovered in the driver's house.

"We were totally desperate," he said. "We have never realized the great effect that losing Wilma would have.  "She's still not back to normal - it's like she's been drugged, she's not happy.

The businessman Mr. Guttfield said Wilma is now back with her brother Fred.

A spokesperson for Amazon said the self-employed driver no longer delivering packages for the online retailer.
"This is unpardonable and does not reflect the high standards we have for our delivery partners," he said.

"We take these things seriously, and that person no longer delivering Amazon packages for the independent delivery service provider."

The dog owner who said police were now investigating, also thanked, the charity Dog Lost, after a local volunteer assisted in the search for Wilma.

Founder Jayne Hayes said the loss of a family pet was "devastating."
She said, "They are members of the family,"

"We've had problems with the delivery drivers before and you will always get a bad apple.
"But the feeling of relief about finding a lost dog is like winning a lottery," she said.

Blue Heeler Socialization Training

Blue heelers, also known as Australian heelers and Queensland heelers, are energetic, active dogs, 17-20 inches high at the shoulder, and weighing about 44 to 62 pounds. They were bred in Australia to herd cattle, with an instinct to nip the cattle to keep them in the herd. Although they make good, intelligent pets, they can be suspicious of strangers, and a suspicious, fearful dog, can be apt to bite. The best way to prevent biting is to socialize a dog early so that he or she does not think of strangers as something to be feared.

Socialization should begin when your puppy is 8 to 16 weeks old. By the time he or she reaches 4 months, the pup should be able to accept strangers calmly. This does not mean that an older dog cannot be socialized, but it might take more patience if the dog already has behavioral problems, and you might need the help of a good trainer or veterinarian for your Blue Heeler training.

Blue heelers love to go outdoors and run, so good places to socialize them include parks and beaches where dogs are allowed. Put a leash on your puppy early and take him or for a run in the park or beach. When you are both tired, sit down where there are people around and encourage them to pet your pup.

When the puppy discovers that strangers are friendly and bring good feelings with them, he or she will be less likely to fear strangers in general. If there is a dog park nearby you can take your pup off the leash and let him or her socialize with other dogs as well as with people. People who go to dog parks are bound to like dogs, so your pup stands a good chance of meeting some friendly people who love to pet puppies.

If there are no large parks available, simply walking your Blue heeler around the neighborhood will do you both good and allow you to encounter other strollers. If you take different routes and walk at different times of the day, you are likely to encounter different people and dogs, so your dog will have a continually changing source of new acquaintances.

Puppy training classes, or "puppy kindergarten," as it is sometimes called, offer another opportunity for your pup to meet people and other puppies in a safe environment. Your little friend can get used to the trainer, other dog owners, and the trainer as he or she is learning good manners.

Another thing you can do is to invite people to come over to the house after you have had a good jog or playtime. This is because if your puppy is tired, he or she is less likely to jump onto people and nip them, which, of course, should be discouraged. Have people sit down and pet the puppy without trying to pick it up, since having strangers reach out to pick it up can be frightening for a young dog.

With some socialization, your new Blue Heeler should be well on its way to being calm and able to handle social situations without a problem. Should biting, growling, jumping, or other aggressive behavior become a problem, see a veterinarian or trainer for further advice and dog training. Enjoy your new addition to the family.

Important Cockapoo Training Tips

As an owner, you probably would want to have a well-behaved cockapoo right? Apparently, that is what every dog owner's dream - to have a dog that obeys commands, potty at the right place and never chews, digs or do anything destructive. And that dream can only be achieved through proper cockapoo training.

Training a cockapoo may not be as difficult as it seems to be. There are various training methods and tools available that can be utilized to achieve the desired result. What owners must do is to identify what method or what tool works best for their pet and apply that certain method properly.

The most common method of training is the use of positive reinforcements such as food treats, praise, petting, playtime or favorite toy. These positive reinforcements aim to motivate the dog to do the desired behavior repeatedly. Reinforcements are given to the dog after the task has been done or command has been followed thus it is also referred to as a reward. When giving food treats as a reward, the treat should be enticing to your pet. Soft commercial treats are widely used although hot dogs, cheese, and cooked chicken or beef can also be used. Determine which one works best for your cockapoo. The use of treats is always coupled with praise. While giving the food reward, say something like "Good dog" in a happy tone of voice.

While positive reinforcement is the most widely used training method, others opt to go for correction-based training method such as the use of training collars. This collar has a receiver that emits shock every time the dog did something unacceptable. The trainer is the one carrying and controlling the transmitter. This method aims to train the dog to associate the unacceptable or negative behavior with shock thus will eventually learn not to do the behavior again.

Though the first two methods mentioned are often proven effective by many dog owners, there are still people who chose to punish their pets to correct or train them on what is right and acceptable. But instead of making things right, punishing a dog may yield problems such as aggression and other behavior-related problems. Would you want your dog to get scared to urinate when you are around? Probably you do not want a timid and submissive dog right? Simply put, punishment will only do more harm than good. As much as possible, please avoid using it.

Important Factors to Consider When Adopting a Dog

If you're considering adopting a puppy or buying a dog for your family, you should adopt rescue dogs from an adoption shelter instead because one of the best ways to go about acquiring this pet is by lending a careful thought to the strayed and abandoned animals, specifically with regards to dogs.

The sad reality is that many dog owners are not adequately informed on how to care for their pet, and more often than not, lack the necessary skills to train and raise them making them all the more prone to neglecting their responsibilities as owners, which result in unhappy, ill-behaved or bad-tempered dogs, and in the worst case scenarios, will lead to abandonment.

When considering adopting a dog from a shelter, there are some important factors to take into consideration.

First, understand that a lot of dogs are impounded or surrendered because their previous owners failed to prevent or solve behavior problems. Now that does not mean this is particularly the dog's fault, more often than not, it's a question of the owner lacking the dog training skills or being misinformed on the compatibility of the dog's breed with the lifestyle of the owner.

Remember that the breed of your dog will dictate much of his personality, health and training character. If the breed you have your heart set on is not available at your local shelter, there are plenty of shelter homes to look through. Nevertheless, know that every shelter offers a handful of wonderful dogs.

One more way to help you in your adoption process is to inform yourself about the shelter, ask for references from other people you may know that have adopted a dog from the shelter you are thinking of adopting from. If you don't know anyone, ask the shelter for them to provide you with contacts of some of the adoptions they have had.

One distinct disadvantage to adopting from a shelter is the uncertainty it involves. You do not have the benefit of knowing the dog's parents, whether your dog will grow up to be big or small, active or lethargic, outgoing or reserved. Not knowing the health background of your dog is probably the biggest disadvantage of adopting from a shelter. Nevertheless, your dog will have the same emotional and physical needs and has the same capacity to learn new tricks and show you love just as any other dog.

Another very important aspect to keep in mind is, of course, the physical state of the dog. Many shelters are limited in the health resources they can offer the dogs, so it is strongly recommended both for you and the dog, to consult a veterinarian within the first weeks after adopting.

In addition to health issues, you must be aware that the background of the dog is mostly unknown so realize that the dog may have some emotional scars to recover from. These scars will be the most important thing to help him forget in the early stages. Many shelter dogs have unpleasant pasts, but if you work diligently and lovingly to gain his trust, you will create a valuable pet friend for many years.

Once adopted, it is recommended that the transition be smooth for the animal. Do not give him/her too hastily within an active environment, especially with kids around, until you see that it is comfortable with its surroundings.

Fortunately, dogs are very forgiving and they will almost always respond to affectionate efforts. Keep in mind that your adopted dog will need extra doses of love, understanding, and patience as he learns to place his confidence in you.

So when the day arrives where you are ready to bring in a new "member" into your family, realize that adopting a dog from a shelter is not only a cheaper solution, it is also a way to help the overpopulation of shelter animals and give "Man's Best Friend" a second chance, which will be very rewarding in itself.